Templemore Baths

A Victorian survivor

The baths opened on Templemore Avenue in 1893, when public baths were a necessity for many households in this part of the city. The restoration kept the historic pool and slipper baths and turned the old interior into an interactive visitor centre about the building and the community it served. It tells you as much about everyday life in working-class east Belfast as about architecture, and it sits well away from the usual city-centre trail.

Café in the courtyard

The former courtyard is now an atrium café centred on the original Victorian fountain, restored as its centrepiece. It is a good reason to call in even if you are not swimming, and it makes an easy stop on a walk around east Belfast.

Swimming and fitness

Alongside the heritage areas, a large extension houses a 25-metre, six-lane pool with spectator seating, an 80-station gym, spa facilities and changing rooms including a Changing Places facility. GLL runs the leisure side under its Better brand, while EastSide Partnership runs the visitor attraction. CS Lewis Square, celebrating the author who grew up in east Belfast, is a short walk away.

Highlights

• Opened 1893, the last Victorian public baths in Ireland
• Interactive heritage visitor centre
• Café around the restored Victorian fountain
• Restored historic pool and slipper baths
• Modern 25m pool and gym

Good to know

• The heritage centre is run by EastSide Partnership; swimming and gym are run by GLL (Better).
• Changing rooms include a Changing Places facility.

Frequently asked questions